Knife Angel sculpture in Edinburgh raises awareness of the impact of violence and knife crime

The 27-foot contemporary sculpture was displayed on Leith Walk during September.

Created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, the Knife Angel is made from around 100,000 knives and blades surrendered through police forces across the country. The sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and Communities, while acting as a catalyst for social change.

The wings of the sculpture feature messages of love and remembrance engraved by families who have lost loved ones to knife crime, alongside messages of regret from former offenders. Together, these messages reflect the consequences of violence while highlighting the importance of prevention, rehabilitation and Community action.

The Knife Angel sculpture was a part of a month-long programme of violence protection and Community engagement, led by PfP Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC), and Police Scotland.

PfP Scotland also worked alongside Lisa Petrie, who tragically lost her son to knife crime and has been a powerful voice for change.

To mark the official launch, an opening ceremony took place on 1st September with the Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and Community representatives in attendance.

Throughout September, partners delivered a series of workshops, talks, youth sessions, Community safety events, and lived experience discussions across Edinburgh to support the Knife Angel’s visit. It was a major opportunity to strengthen prevention work and raise awareness of the impact of knife crime.

As part of the wider response to violent crime, Community bleed and trauma kits were also made available in Edinburgh, supported through fundraising by Lisa and the Council. They are intended to help Communities respond to serious injuries and potentially save the lives of victims of knife and violent crime.

Councillor Jane Meagher, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “My thanks go to everyone who has made it possible for the Knife Angel to come to Edinburgh. It serves as a powerful reminder of the lives and families affected by violence.

We want the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh to be about remembering those affected by knife crime, supporting everyone at risk, bringing Communities together and taking action to prevent anti-social behaviour and violence.

We all have a role in making our Communities safer. Effective prevention relies on strong partnerships, support for parents and families as well as meaningful engagement with local Communities.”

Kieran Dougal, Chief Inspector at Police Scotland, said: “Addressing the harmful effects of violence, including knife crime, remains a priority for Police Scotland. Our national violence prevention strategy focuses on using intelligence to pursue repeat offenders, preventing violence through identifying early intervention opportunities with partner organisations, and protecting individuals and communities from harm.

In Edinburgh, and across Scotland, work takes place every day, driven by police officers who know their local Communities best and in collaboration with partner organisations, to safeguard Communities from the devastating impacts of violence and weapon carrying.”

Kelly Brown, Director at PfP Scotland, said: “The Knife Angel is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact violence can have on individuals, families and Communities. Bringing it to Edinburgh gave us an important opportunity to have open conversations about violence, remember those affected and, most importantly, work together to prevent it.

As an organisation rooted in Communities across Scotland, we were proud to support this partnership and play our part in bringing People together to create safer neighbourhoods. Tackling violence requires everyone to work together, and we hope the Knife Angel’s visit encouraged People to get involved, start conversations and help make a lasting difference.”